Most car-free Europe trip ideas are limited to city getaways, or city hopping routes. While many Europe-bound travelers gravitate to cities, others crave escapes to the countryside and the outdoors.
However, without a car, it can be challenging to figure out how to plan a nature-focused itinerary.
Kati and I have traveled extensively across Europe both with and without a car. While there are benefits to renting a car and embarking on a European road trip, we know that many of our readers prefer to travel with public transit.
Below, I’ve summarized our favorite European travel itineraries without a car, strictly based on our personal experience. And, as you know, we travel to hike, so these itineraries are all packed with memorable hiking trails.
5-Day Adventurous Lucerne Itinerary, Central Switzerland
Lucerne is the gateway to Central Switzerland and the Lake Lucerne region. This buzzing Swiss destination is famous for its medieval Old Town and timber-covered bridges.
Though the crowds are astonishing, Lucerne is a practical jumping off point for a fun hiking trip in the Uri Alps and Schwyz Alps.
On day 1, arrive in Lucerne. There are direct and frequent trains between the Zürich HB Train Station and Lucerne (50 minutes). After lunch at the riverside Mill’Feuille, climb the towers of the Museggmauer city wall, cross the timber-covered Chapel and Chaff bridges, amble along the lakeside promenade, and eat dinner on the terrace of Hotel des Balances.
The next day, hike the Stoos Ridge Trail. Return to Lucerne for a second night.
On day 3, start the 2-day Stanserhorn-Engelberg ridge trail and overnight at Alp Lauchern (tent, sleeping pad, and meals provided).
On day 4, complete the Stanserhorn-Engelberg ridge trail. Stay the night in Engelberg.
On day 5, hike the Walenpfad Panorama Trail. Return to Engleberg for a second night, or travel to Lucerne.
Read the Itinerary | 5-Day Lucerne Itinerary for Hikers
When to Go | July, August, or September. If trails are snow-free, the hiking season may start earlier.
Transit | Our Lucerne itinerary utilizes trains, cableways, and buses. Use the excellent sbb.ch website to figure out transit connections. To save money on transit, purchase the Swiss Travel Pass, or Swiss Half Fare Card.
Hiking Requirements | The Stoos Ridge Trail and Walenpfad Panorama Trail are moderate. The 2-day Stanserhorn-Engelberg ridge hike is difficult and requires a head for heights, technical hiking experience, and comfort with secured exposure. If you want to opt out of the 2-day Stanserhorn-Engelberg hike, stay in Engelberg another night.
2-Week Portugal Trip
Our car-free Portugal Itinerary is centered around the country’s vibrant cities and stunning coastline, starting in Porto and ending in Faro in Algarve.
Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is a culinary wonderland, famed for port wine, meaty francesinha sandwiches, and fresh seafood. After exploring the medieval Ribeira district and the wine cellars in Gaia, continue your journey to Lisbon.
During your stay in Lisbon, explore the Alfama Neighborhood, the birthplace of Fado music, and take a day trip to the Sintra Coast to hike from Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar.
Next, travel to the coastal village of Porto Covo in Alentejo to commence the 4-day Fisherman’s Trail. This inn-to-inn coastal trail is a magical way to experience the pristine, largely undeveloped Vicentine coast. Luggage transfer service is available.
From Odeceixe, we recommend traveling to Lagos and onwards to Carvoeiro to visit Algarve’s picturesque beaches. Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys coastal trail and Trail of the Headlands, before concluding your trip in Faro.
Read the Itinerary | 2-Week Portugal Itinerary
When to Go | Autumn (October – November), or Spring (March – April).
Transit | We traveled by bus between destinations.
Hiking Difficulty | The day hikes are easy-moderate and suitable for keen walkers. The Fisherman’s Trail is more difficult, due to the sand.
Marseille and Calanques National Park, Southern France
The port city of Marseille in Provence, Southern France, is a dynamic crossroads of Mediterranean cultures.
It’s an energetic city with diverse neighborhoods, a booming food scene, and a friendly populace. It’s also the main gateway to Calanques National Park, a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline defined by limestone cliffs and narrow inlets.
The backbone of our Marseille itinerary is the Cassis-Marseille coastal trail, which we tackled on a series of day trips.
Day 1: Arrive in Marseille
Day 2: Cassis Day Trip: Calanque d’En Vau beach hike, or the Devenson Cliffs hike.
Day 3: Marseille City Exploration
Day 4: Calanque de Sugiton and Calanque de Morgiou Hike
Day 5: Les Goudes Hike
Day 6: Depart Marseille
Read the Itinerary | Marseille Itinerary
When to Go | Autumn (October – November), or Spring (March – May). If the weather is stable, it may be possible to follow this itinerary in winter.
Transit | We used Marseille’s RTM (Régie des transports Métropolitains) transit system (buses and metro) to travel to/from the Calanques. We recommend getting a RTM 7-Day Pass (Pass 7 jours Pour tous), which gives you unlimited access to RTM transit in the blue zone. It also includes bus 78 to/from Cassis.
Hiking Difficulty | The Calanques massif is a limestone mountain range. The terrain is uneven and rugged. There are several short scrambling sections along the route. For further information, read our trail guides.
1-Week Slovenian Alps Trip: Mountains and Lakes
The Slovenian Alps, forming the southeastern-end of the great Alpine chain, captivate with their raw beauty and unspoiled charm.
Comprising three distinct limestone sub-ranges—the Julian Alps, the Karawanks, and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps — this striking mountainous region entices adventurers seeking untamed trails, dramatic landscapes, and an authentic alpine experience.
If you’re a confident alpine hiker looking for a unique way to experience Slovenia, we recommend trekking hut-to-hut across Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps.
There are many possible hut-to-hut routes across the Julian Alps, but we’re partial to this 4-Day Triglav National Park Traverse, starting at Vršič Pass and ending at Lake Bohinj.
Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana
Day 2: Bus to Kranjska Gora
Day 3: Triglav Traverse Stage 1
Day 4: Triglav Traverse Stage 2
Day 5: Triglav Traverse Stage 3
Day 6: Triglav Traverse Stage 4 / Stay at Lake Bohinj or Lake Bled
Day 7: Lake Bled / Return to Ljubljana
You can book this trek and itinerary independently, or with the local hiking company Slotrips. Their self-guided Crossing the Julian Alps hiking tour follows the same route, but starts in Planica near Kranjska Gora, thus adding one day to the trek. They book all your mountain hut overnights as well as your hotel accommodations in Ljubljana (before the trek) and in Bled (after the trek).
When to Go | July – mid/late September
Transit | We used local buses to travel between destinations.
Hiking Difficulty | This trek is suitable for experienced hikers with high-alpine hiking experience (scree, karst pavement, scrambling).
More Europe Travel Guides
Car-Free Travel:
Seasonal Travel Guides:
Travel:
Hiking:
Alps:
- Hiking in the Alps: Essential Tips
- Best Hikes in the Alps
- Alps in Summer
- Krampuslauf: Krampus Run
- Almabtrieb Cow Procession
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